Essmann served in the Montana House of Representatives from his appointment in 2004 to 2005. Essmann was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1996. He was a Precinct Committeeman for Precinct 69 Poly Drive School from 1982 to 1998, and the Chair of the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee from 1995 to 1999.

Biography

Essmann earned his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1974, and his J.D. from the University of Montana in 1977. His professional experience includes working as an attorney, owner/manager of Valet Today Cleaners, and owner/manager of Esstech Limited Liability Corporation.

Committee assignments

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Essmann served on the following committees:

2009-2010

Issues

Tax-exempt properties

As reported in the Montana Policy Institute's Montana Pig Tales (2012), Essmann supported efforts to create a comprehensive list of all tax-exempt properties in Montana. As of 2012, there were 11,034 properties which had been granted tax exemptions since the state was granted authority to do so in 1981, in addition to the large number of properties which had been granted tax exemptions by Montana's counties from the state's independence in 1889 until 1981. A bill to create a list of all such properties and verify the validity of their exemptions died in the interim Revenue and Transportation Committee in September 2012 amid objections from the Department of Revenue about the bill's potential expense in DOR time and resources.[1] Essmann told the Montana Policy Institute that he intended to introduce a bill to pilot a review of tax-exempt properties in one or two counties in 2013, although he had not done so by the end of the 2013 session.[2]

Election history

2012

Essman had initially declared his intention to run for Governor of Montana in 2012, but withdrew from the race months before the June 5th primary election, citing a lack of funds and a desire for a united Republican party.[3]

2006

On November 7, 2006, Essmann won re-election to the 28th District Seat in the Montana State Senate, defeating Rayla Romain (D).[4]

Montana State Senate, District 28 (2006)

Candidates

Votes

Jeff Essmann (R)

7,091

Rayla Romain (D)

2,841

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Essmann is available dating back to 2006. Based on available campaign finance records, Essmann raised a total of $136,052 during that time period. This information was last updated on September 6, 2013.[5]